Every year, when flu season starts, many people ask the same question: "Do I really need a flu shot again?"
Some people think they did not get sick last year, so they do not need one this year. Others wonder why the flu vaccine changes every year.
The truth is that getting a flu shot each year is one of the best ways to protect yourself and the people around you. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that the flu causes millions of illnesses, hundreds of thousands of hospital stays, and thousands of deaths in the United States every year.
The Flu Is More Than a Bad Cold
Many people think the flu is the same as a bad cold. However, it can be much worse.
According to the CDC, the flu can lead to serious health problems. These health problems can be anything like pneumonia, ear infections, and sinus infections. It can also make health conditions such as asthma, heart disease, and diabetes harder to manage.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) says some people are more likely to get very sick from the flu. This includes older adults, young children, pregnant women, and people with certain health conditions.
Why Do You Need a Flu Shot Every Year?
One reason is that flu viruses change from year to year.
The CDC says that scientists update the flu vaccine each year to match the flu viruses that are expected to spread the most that season.
Another reason is that protection from the vaccine gets weaker over time. The HHS says that even if you got a flu shot last year, it may not protect you as well this year.
The Flu Shot Helps Keep You Healthy
The flu shot cannot stop every case of flu. However, it can lower your chances of getting sick.
The CDC reports that during the 2024-2025 flu season, flu vaccines helped prevent:
- 10 million flu illnesses
- 5 million doctor visits
- 180,000 hospital stays
- 12,000 deaths in the United States
The CDC also reports that flu vaccines can lower the chance of needing medical care for the flu by 40% to 60%. Especially when the vaccine closely matches the viruses that are spreading.
Even If You Get Sick, the Flu Shot Can Help
Sometimes people get the flu even after getting vaccinated.
However, the CDC says that vaccinated people who do get the flu are often less likely to become very ill. They are less likely to be hospitalized or need intensive medical care.
In other words, the flu shot can help make sure you don’t get as sick as you could.
Protecting Others Matters Too
Getting a flu shot does not just help you. It also helps protect people around you.
The HHS explains that when more people get vaccinated, it helps slow the spread of flu in the community.
A flu shot is a simple way to help keep your family, friends, and community healthier.
Who Should Get a Flu Shot?
The CDC recommends a flu shot every year for everyone 6 months of age and older, with very few exceptions.
It is best to get vaccinated before flu season is at its peak, but it is still helpful to get a flu shot later in the season if you have not gotten one yet.
Visit Clinicas
A yearly flu shot is a simple step that can help protect your health. At Clinicas del Camino Real, Inc. our Primary Care team can answer your questions and help you stay up to date on recommended vaccines.
If you or a family member needs a flu shot, schedule an appointment with Clinicas. You can also call the Health Center closest to you to see what days they are hosting flu shot clinics.
Getting vaccinated today and each year after that! Keep yourself and your family healthy.